Category: editorial

On May 30th I published a post on the discontinuation of our beloved Club 701 and 703:

“Yesterday the sad news reached me that the both the NOMOS Club 701 and it’s see-through back sibling the NOMOS Club 703 are now officially discontinued. As of today they are no longer available for retailers to order through NOMOS as they have no stock left!” (full article).

The Club 701 and 703 however are still available for order to this day, both through NOMOS-Glashuette.com as well as through the NOMOS Corner – which is the system us Authorized Dealers use to place our orders. This led me to ask my contacts in Glashütte about the status of these earlier this week. Today I got my answer:

“After we have decided and announced to discontinue the Club 701, we had suddenly so many request that we believed we shouldn’t make our NOMOS Fans unhappy, so we ordered more missing parts to build more.“

“It is discontinued but as long as we have several cases or dials, we can still build if retailers are ordering…“

While I am not 100% sure what this means in terms of numbers or time frame, I guess this is good news for us Club fans?

Werner Aisslinger is one of the best-known contemporary designers, whose often very artistic works are exhibited in museums worldwide. He recently collaborated with NOMOS Glashütte to create a new timepiece: Autobahn. It has now received the German Design Award in Gold.

Mr. Aisslinger, why do you think the German Design Award jury decided to bestow its highest honor on Autobahn?

When we were designing Autobahn, we wanted to create a watch that was “of the moment” and yet also a timeless, archetypal piece that couldn’t be pinned down to anyone decade. We took the design affinities of car enthusiasts and combined them with the tradition of NOMOS Glashütte to create a piece of art that could be worn every day on the wrist. I am extremely pleased that the German Design Award jury recognized our work and saw fit to award this prize.

This watch isn’t what we would normally expect from NOMOS Glashütte.

We felt that NOMOS Glashütte should speak to new customers. We really wanted to stretch the brand’s boundaries and try something new. There was a lot of experimentation before we finally got to the final product. But in the end, I believe it paid off: We have succeeded in generating fresh attention for the NOMOS brand without alienating loyal customers.

What are your favorite details about the design, and which of the three models do you wear?

One of the most striking details is the deep bowl-shaped dial, which is something that catches my eye every time. The curved edges are reminiscent of the Avus street circuit in 1960s Berlin—or of the fenders on vintage Mercedes Silver Arrows. That steep slope transitions seamlessly to the dial, a form that is echoed by the gentle curve in the sub-seconds. The dials themselves and the wide superluminova arc are also important, as well as the extended date window, which reminds me of the analog odometers on classic cars. Perhaps the most important aspect, however, is the ultra-precise manufacture of these watches. A beautiful design demands precise craftsmanship. I wear the model with the white silver-plated dial. Autobahn is truly my watch—for all times.

Interview with Stephan of ForASec Watches about the new limited edition: Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam

Past Saturday Stephan and his daughter Japke paid a visit to our offices in Amsterdam, where I had the prototype of the NOMOS Club Campus Amsterdam available for them to fiddle with. Stephan subsequently interviewed himself (not weird at all, really!) about the watch.

Stephan is the owner of ForASec Watches. With this company he offers an impressive portfolio of micro brands, including Margrette, Halios and Seals. Besides these smaller brands he also has a raging passion for the Omega Speedmaster Professional. His love for watches has spread well into the next generation, as witnessed by yours truly during this father-and-daughter visit.

Did you like the new Ace x Nomos watch?

S: Yes, I loved it on my wrist. Lots of stuff to look at and funny how the sub dial makes it stand out when looking at it from a distance. Would somehow love a red suede strap to go with it.

I already put it on a red alligator Stephan, and have a red tropic on order. Way ahead of you!

Any particular features that stood out?

S: Yes. As said that subdial and let’s not forget the movement! I love hand winders because they show more of the movement than automatics. The finishing is really outstanding! My daughter loved the three X’s on the crown. Quirky details like that are appreciated.

Will you get one?

S: Tempted but still thinking on how to explain the wife that our teenager goes to school wearing this.

Any final words?

S; Outstanding collaboration that combines two of your passions. Nomos and Ace for me combine well. Both versatile, committed, a little bit nerdy but most of all passionate.

Interview with Dale from Ace Jewelers about the new limited edition: Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam

Dale took time to share a cup of coffee and answer some questions about the new released limited edition: Ace x Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam.

He has been with Ace Jewelers since 2012 and spends his time at the Ace Online offices. Besides watches he likes cycling, and on a good day you might even catch him riding his bike from Amersfoort to Amsterdam and back.

How did NOMOS come on your radar?

D: It must’ve been around 2004-2005, when I was endlessly browsing forums such as WatchUSeek and TimeZone. The first time I really took notice was with the release of the Tangomat.

What do you like about NOMOS?

D: Over the years I’ve come to appreciate the signature NOMOS style, and approach to manufacturing more and more. I like how they stick to a certain look and feel. You either love it or hate it, but you know a NOMOS when you see one! Since working with them I’ve also come to love the kindness of the people and their down-to-earth attitude. No wild champagne-showered parties, no polo matches, no flashy ambassadors – just watches.

You already unveiled a first limited edition with NOMOS in 2017, celebrating the 100 Years of de Stijl. How has it been received?

D: I’d say pretty well! It was the first time we embarked on a project like this, so it really was a big experiment for us. We knew the Orion de Stijl wouldn’t be for everyone, but it sold well and we got a lot of good press and reactions from around the world.

What made you interested in working on a second Limited Edition and what is special about it?

D: We had great fun with the Orion de Stijl, and at the same time we learned a lot. The fact that this watch was unique to us meant that we really had to market it ourselves. In the run-up Alon and I bugged them with a crazy amount of designs, concepts and ideas. I think we were both happy to be allowed to bring another one to fruition!

I think the best part is that it is the first limited edition based on the Club Campus that NOMOS has done. The contrasting sub dial and red numerals really give it a unique look – yet it is still 100% NOMOS.

Why a Club Campus?

D: It is well-published that the Club is my favorite NOMOS. It is classic with a funky twist. I like the robust and sturdy case, and highly appreciate its 100m water resistance. The fact that it is one of the most affordable models doesn’t hurt either…

What was the inspiration during the designing process?

D: As I said earlier, we made up a huge number of different designs. Some of them were quite out there! But black-red-white color scheme based on the Amsterdam city shield was something we kept getting back to. It’s a classic combination. It also works well on many models and hopefully we’ll be given the opportunity to do another NOMOS with these colors in the future.

What should I wear with this watch?

I’d love to see what people come up with in terms of straps. I’ve tried a few already but can’t wait to see more. I’m looking forward the most to wearing mine on a beach with swimming trunks, on either a rubber or canvas strap.

Interview with the CEO of Ace Jewelers about the new limited edition: Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam

Alon Ben Joseph took time to share a cup of coffee and answer some questions about the new released limited edition: Ace x Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam.

He has been active in the family company since 1998. After obtaining his Bachelor degree in New York, Alon continued his Master degree in Business Economics at the University of Amsterdam. Very proud that Ace Jewelers was the first Dutch luxury jeweler in The Netherlands to open an eBoutique, Alon is also passionate about watches, gem stones, IT & E-commerce, Tennis and Cinema.

How did NOMOS come on your radar?

A: As a watch collector and jeweler as well I always try to keep track of the various watch brands out there. The year NOMOS was founded, they caught my eye immediately. I am a huge fan of both the Bauhaus movement as well as German engineering & pünktlichheit.

What do you like about NOMOS?

A: That is a great question and for me very easy to answer. It is these three things:

First of all it is their general philosophy and business ethos. Then there’s the superbly clean designs, which are executed to perfection. Finally there’s the fact that their such a well-rounded company. From design and marketing to manufacturing of cases, movements, dials and hands – most of it is done in-house in either Berlin or Glashütte. That’s cool!

You already unveiled a first limited edition with NOMOS in 2017, celebrating the 100 Years of de Stijl. How has it been received?

A: We made a dial design that has never done before, it was out of the ordinary, but very much in-line with NOMOS’ philosophy and style code. We knew it was not an easy sell, but we were blown away by the love and positive responses we received. Both from watch collectors as well as art aficionado’s! We are proud to say we have only a few left in-stock.

What made you interested in working on a second Limited Edition and what is special about it?

A: This is almost a rhetorical question, but actually a very good one. There are many reasons, buy maybe the most important: it is very exciting to take part in the design of a watch. A dream for many watch collectors. We got elevated from retailer & friend of the brand to co-designer. I consider this to be one of the highest honors a retailer can get!

And, what makes it even more special, we have had the privilege to apply the colors of our beloved Amsterdam to one of our favorite NOMOS watches. A perfect match!

Why a Club Campus?

A: Again a lot of reasons… Where should I start? A few things that come to mind;

I love dial with the mixed Arabic and Roman numerals. I was so happy NOMOS launched the Campus two years ago. It makes for such a fun dial!

The club really is an all-round watch. It is classic and timeless, yet also sporty, casual, fun, and not afraid of a bit of water. Basically like our hometown Amsterdam!

We think this watch was the best match for the colors of the coat of arms of Amsterdam.

We did an Orion as first Watch, we wish to do a collab for every single model in the NOMOS collection. This might be ambitious, but we hope to make it happen!

Should I keep on going?

What was the inspiration during the designing process?

A: We went back to the basics, the logo of Amsterdam, which it is believed dates back to 1280-ish AD. We think that black, red & white are timeless colors, but also a bit sporty. This is why we choose the Club model of NOMOS. We had many and intense discussion if we should choose a ‘regular’ Club or a Campus… But for me personally I love the inverted California dial. It makes it even more fun and makes it stand out more. When we (re)design a watch, we want it to add value… It should compliment the current collection. And, for the record, we never ever would dare to say improve the original watch. That is a mission impossible. We just want to add a fun aspect… We believe that most buyers of this watch will either already have a Club or at least one NOMOS already.

What should I wear with this watch?

Whatever you like! I think it works well with both casual as well as more formal wear. Though for a really elegant occasion I’d probably wear my Orion de Stijl!

How many pieces will be available and where can I buy it?

We’ve had just 75 pieces made, which are all individually numbered on their case backs! There will not be more. It’s available in our boutiques and via www.Ace.am/NOMOSLE2.

Can you describe Amsterdam in three words?

It is the smallest metropolitan city in the world. It is stunningly beautiful, and the people are laid back, open & fun. Okay, that was more than three words.

What is your favorite spot in Amsterdam?

A. Ooooh, good one. So many… If I had to choose one: Ace Photo Studio/Ace Online on the first floor of Koningsplein 1. Literally in the heart of Amsterdam, on the canal and the corner of the Flower Market. It does not get better than this. I can sit here all day and look out of the window! Stunning. We are so fortunate to have obtained this office space, after hunting it down since 1998!